Strathroy, Ontario golfer wins Men's Invitation Saturday

Patrick Anderson shoots 73 to win by two shots

Pat Payton

Sports Editor, The Journal Argus

Patrick Anderson played in a U.S. Mid-Amateur last Thursday in Michigan. "I didn't qualify, but I learned something about myself," the 28-year-old Strathroy golfer said after winning the annual Coca-Cola Classic Men's Invitational Saturday at St. Marys Golf and Country Club. "You have to stay patient. It's a funny game."Anderson fired a one-over-par 73 Saturday to beat three other golfers by two shots. The Public player, who currently plays with a two handicap, had a one-under 36 on the front nine and a two-over 37 on the back nine. Anderson, playing in the Invitation for the second time, had four three-putts on the day. "My driver was very good today," he said following the tourney. "I was hitting it down the middle, and I gave myself a lot of good chances at birdie. "My putter was a bit suspect, but I got the job done and that's all that matters. I didn't think my score would hold up because there are a lot of good players here today. But I posted a good number and I'm happy with it."

Two St. Marys members-Darryl Sterkenburg and John Cole--were among the trio who finished with three-over 75s. Shawn Geddings also had a 75. Cole had a nice finish to his round, with a birdie on the par 4 No. 5 hole and an eagle on the par 5 No. 6 hole. Other St. Marys golfers in 'A' Flight also posted good scores. Former Invitational winner Jim Craigmile fired a 76, Jon McPhail had a 77, Jason Skipper a 78, and Kellen Fifield 79. Steve Hislop, of Stratford, also had a 78.

'B' Flight winner was Gerrard Denomme with a 76, one shot better than St. Marys member Merlin Malinowski who went even par over his final 17 holes.

'C' Flight winner was Steve Charby with a 76. St. Marys members Greg Thompson and Jon Rittenhouse finished tied for second with 81s.

'D' Flight winner was Rick Garber with an 82. Fred Cull was second with an 86. 'E' Flight winner was Thomas Johnston with a 96.

Golf Tournament notebook:

• About 70 golfers comprised Saturday's Invitation field, and the tournament was played under mostly sunny skies. There were a few sprinkles of rain during the day.
• Several golfers reported "slick" greens on Saturday. "The pins were good," said St. Marys member Jim Craigmile. "They weren't easy, but they were good."
• St. Marys member Eric Henkemans said the course was in great condition Saturday.
• "The greens were lovely," Henkemans said after his round. "They were quick, but they held very well. Conditions were good for scoring. I actually thought a score under-par would win it."